In 25 concise steps, you will learn the basics of blockchain technology. No mathematical formulas, program code, or computer science jargon are used. No previous knowledge in computer science, mathematics, programming, or cryptography is required. Terminology is explained through pictures, analogies, and metaphors.

This book bridges the gap that exists between purely technical books about the blockchain and purely business-focused books. It does so by explaining both the technical concepts that make up the blockchain and their role in business-relevant applications.

What You'll Learn

What the blockchain is

Why it is needed and what problem it solves

Why there is so much excitement about the blockchain and its potential

Major components and their purpose

How various components of the blockchain work and interact

Limitations, why they exist, and what has been done to overcome them

Major application scenarios

Who This Book Is For

Everyone who wants to get a general idea of what blockchain technology is, how it works, and how it will potentially change the financial system as we know it

Daniel Drescher is an experienced banking professional who has held positions in electronic security trading in a range of banks. His recent activities have focused on automation, machine learning and big data in the context of security trading. Amongst others, Daniel holds a Doctorate in Econometrics from the Technical University of Berlin and an MSc in Software Engineering from the University of Oxford.

“The book could be used as a textbook or simply to help structure a presentation on blockchain. … I think that the book achieves its objectives: to explain to a nontechnical audience what the blockchain is, how it works, and where it can be applied. It should also allow the reader to understand a lot of the hype that surrounds blockchain and to differentiate the ways in which the term is used.” (Computing Reviews, October, 2017)